The goal of research was to expand the existing literature using a retrospective cohort study. These types of studies use large datasets, typically provided by a large insurer. For this study, the data came from the National Health Insurance (NHI) system of Taiwan. Taiwan has a single-pay program that serves 99% of the 23.74 million Taiwanese people.

Participants

13,072 People with lupus were included in the trial. All participants were part of a SLE-certified illness program in Taiwan that required a valid lupus diagnosis.

52,288 controls were matched to ensure similar age and sex ratios.

The average age at the start of the trial was 35 years old for both groups.

Females made up 87.9% of both groups.

The study lasted for 11 years, but patients were followed up with if during that time they had a new diagnosis of asthma.

Results

The researchers concluded that people with lupus (SLE) have a significantly higher chance of developing asthma when compared to healthy control participants. Even after adjusting for variation, Lupus Warriors were more than 2.5 times as likely to get asthma.

Additionally, there were differences at baseline (prior to the follow-up period). Asthma was 1% more prevalent among the cohort that had SLE. And, the lupus group had significantly greater incidence of the following co-morbid conditions:

rhinitis

chronic sinusitis

gastroesophageal reflux disease

obstructive sleep apnea

The researchers noted the potential issues with their study. Te NHI data used did not include information on smoking habits, which have been linked to the development of asthma. Nor did the researchers have access to body-mass index data, drug history data, or family history data — all of which may be risk factors.

Additional pulmonary concerns

Beyond asthma, there are 5 additional lung problems that may be present alongside lupus.

1. Pleuritis (Pleurisy)

Condition: Pleuritis is inflammation of membrane surrounding the lungs, known as the pleura.

Symptoms: Pain when taking deep breaths because of the inflammation putting pressure on the lungs.

Treatment: NSAIDs, steroids, and/or antimalarials all may help prevent and treat the condition.

2. Acute lupus pneumonitis

Condition: Acute lupus pneumonitis impacts anywhere from 1-10% of people with lupus and is very serious.

Symptoms: Chest pain, shortness-of-breath, and a dry cough that may bring up blood.

Treatment: Immediate treatment with high-dose steroids and/or immunosuppressants. Even with successful treatment, this may result in permanent scarring of the lung tissue.

3. Chronic (fibrotic) lupus pneumonitis

Condition: Similar to acute lupus pneumonitis, except that symptoms come on slowly over years. Because of the gradual onset, it is easy to miss these symptoms.

Symptoms: Chest pain, shortness-of-breath, and a dry cough that may bring up blood.

Treatment: Immediate treatment with high-dose steroids and/or immunosuppressants. Even with successful treatment, this may result in permanent scarring of the lung tissue.

4. Pulmonary hypertension

Condition: Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure) occurs in about 10% of people with lupus. The blood vessel between the heart and the lungs thickens, limiting the amount of blood that can pass through the vessel. The heart will pump faster to counteract this resistance, but the eventual result is a decrease in oxygen-rich blood getting to vital organs.